Mafe Maria: Personal stories by autism parent mentor, Maria Stultz

Taming the Fire

Papa Bear watches me launch into exciting new adventures. He supports me, and is happy I’m doing this. And he knows me well and is familiar with something I also know about myself: Sometimes I can get so intensely focused on my projects, that’s all I want to do.

So with a tiny voice, he speaks of his fear…
Don’t forget about Joaquin.

Here’s the thing. Because I’ve launched into this new project with great inspiration to learn and grow myself, I’m already changing. I already know that I intend to work on this with a more refined level of intensity. I’ve learned that I want to tame my fire so I don’t burn people or myself. I’m already learning from the work, and my first lesson is (as Papa Bear offered himself):

Rome wasn’t built in one day.

I am accepting this. I want to learn this.
Mrs. Can’t-Wait-To-Have-It-All-Built is willing to take her time and be comfortable with that.

But above all, what I love most is the thought that came to my mind when Joey talked about Joaquin. Not defensive. Not scared.

—I have him.
Let me tell you how.

I have him.
And now I know I can do both.

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If my experience and words speak to you, I invite you to learn about my mentoring service for autism parents.

Intentional parenting, development, and education for our children is my passion. My purpose is to empower you with the emotional and practical support you need to thrive as you reach for every outcome you dream of for you and your child’s life.

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